NEWS STORY
RNS-AsianBlack-Panel: Black and Asian Christian leaders discuss role of church in fighting racism against communities
CHICAGO (RNS) — Panelists at Black & Asian Christians United Against Racism, livestreamed Monday night (April 5) from Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, discussed the histories, struggles and contributions of each community and the importance of creating an enduring partnership between them. By Emily McFarlan Miller. 777 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-NationOfIslam-Green: Nation of Islam says suspect in ‘tragic’ Capitol attack sought to be a member
(RNS) — The Nation of Islam has repudiated the attack on the U.S. Capitol that left a police officer dead and another injured last week and described the connections the suspect had with the organization led by Minister Louis Farrakhan. The religious movement said in a statement that the suspect, Noah Green, who was killed in the attack, sought but did not complete membership with it. By Adelle M. Banks. 850 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Connick-Hymns: Harry Connick Jr., bunkered for the pandemic, emerges with ‘Alone With My Faith’
(RNS) — “This project really helped me heal myself during the lockdown in the time of COVID,” said Connick of his collection of six original faith-inflected compositions and a half-dozen jazz-inspired takes on classic Christian hymns, titled “Alone With My Faith.” By Maina Mwaura. 603 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Barber-Palestinians: William Barber preaches at Easter vigil service spotlighting Christian Palestinians
(RNS) — In a display of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the Rev. William Barber II participated in a virtual Easter vigil service Saturday (April 3) led by a Christian activist group in Jerusalem. His appearance highlighted Black and progressive American support for Palestinians in a conflict in which the United States has recently moved to bolster the Israeli position. By Daoud Kuttab. 670 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Ngo-QIdeas: Andy Ngo, antifa critic, dropped as speaker by Christian conference Q Ideas
NASHVILLE (RNS) — Andy Ngo, a conservative social media activist and author of a best-selling book on antifa, was dropped from the lineup of speakers at Q Ideas, a conference for evangelical “influencers.” Ngo, known for posting video of protest clashes in Portland involving right-wing and left wing groups, recently told Fox News he left the country for safety reasons. By Bob Smietana. 800 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Evans-KingdomMen: Tony Evans: On grieving his wife, advising Kirk Franklin, mulling a successor
(RNS) — Pastor Tony Evans, a Dallas megachurch leader and religious broadcaster, spoke with Religion News Service about the death of his wife Lois less than two years ago, possible succession plans, and how he advised gospel artist Kirk Franklin after a family dispute became public. The author of a new book, “Kingdom Men Rising: A Call to Growth and Greater Influence,” also affirmed different roles for Christian men and women. By Adelle M. Banks. 1,350 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Abram-Oped: Lil Nas X is inviting the Black church in with ‘Montero’
(RNS) — ”Montero” is more than a song with a message, it is the anthem of a Black gay man roaring back from years of self-hate caused by anti-LGBTQ+ theologies. As a queer child of the Black church, it’s an anthem that resonates with me. By Don Abram. 1,125 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Salkin-Oped: Why ‘Shtisel’ matters
(RNS) — “Shtisel” is a cultural phenomenon — a multi-seasoned series about a haredi family in Jerusalem, their internal struggles, their passions and their faith. By Jeffrey Salkin. 980 words. (category: k)